The sustainability of buildings is based on three pillars: environmental, economic and social. The challenge facing architectural and construction professionals is quite literally the combination of all these essential aspects under one roof. Putting sustainability on a stable foundation requires cooperation and teamwork and is vital if we are to build in a way that enables future generations to enjoy the same opportunities as we do today.
Functional Aesthetics in Harmony with Nature
© Elke Mayr
A holistic, interdisciplinary and integrated approach
Moreover, a holistic, interdisciplinary and integrated approach is indispensable for the purpose of green buildings expressing their distinctive functional aesthetics in harmony with nature. This approach means taking into account site characteristics and must be applied to every aspect of a project, throughout planning, execution and technical properties. Ultimately, it is also what determines the quality of a building.
This issue of architectum offers insights into selected projects that without exaggeration can be described as prime examples of successful sustainable architecture: Green roofs supporting flourishing biodiversity, reusable building materials ensuring the reduction of carbon emissions or permeable pavers created for flooding prevention. In geographic terms, the book spans our entire continent, highlighting projects ranging from owner-built homes to commercial housing and municipal facilities as well as urban landscaping.
Each of these inspiring projects shows how a solid and sustainable foundation for the future was laid through the use of high-quality building materials, while also expressing the functional aesthetics of high-quality sustainable architecture in harmony with nature.
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